Lightroom is loaded with tools and special features, some of which change or are added every time there’s an update. So you’ll be excused for not taking advantage of everything this software has to offer.

In the tutorial below you’ll see how to employ three powerful tools that one of our regular contributors says he “hated” until he experimented a bit, changed his tune, and decided they’re “amazing.” The trio of tools you’ll learn to use today include Texture, Clarity, and Dehaze. All three are easy to employ and they can really make a difference in your results.

Instructor Nigel Danson is based in the UK and he’s a favorite among Shutterbug readers. Today he explains why you should use these tools and exactly how they work. He insists that after watching this lesson and examining his examples, “you’ll be able to do great things with your photos.”

Danson created a simple graphic in Photoshop to help describe the theory behind all three tools. This also makes it easier for him to explain when you should employ one over the others, depending upon the subject

The first tool discussed is Dehaze, the one he initially disliked the most. He reviews the various objections he had initially, and why he was disappointed with the results. But then you’ll learn the benefits it can provide once you apply the proper technique.

As Danson says, the key to this tool and the two others is knowing when and when not to use them. As you’ll see, in certain predictable situations Dehaze will work magic, while other times not so much. Thus, as with many of Lightroom’s capabilities, it’s very important to choose your weapons wisely.

Danson follows much the same approach in describing the pros and cons of the Texture and Clarity tools, the benefits they provide, and how and when to use them. And all this makes total sense because of the images he uses for illustration.

After watching the video head over to Danson’s popular YouTube channel where there’s an abundance of helpful advice for shooting and editing outdoor photos.

On a related note, we suggest you check out the tutorial we posted from another expert, explaining how to use Lightroom’s “secret” Tone Curve tool.

There are plenty of camera settings to consider for capturing the best possible landscape photos, depending upon the specific look you’re after. And one of our favorite pros insists that “aperture is most important stylistic instrument of all.”

So what’s the best f/stop to use for general use? While there is no one “best” choice for every scene you confront, you may be surprised by what this accomplished photographer recommends after watching the tutorial below.

Based in Austria, Christian Irmler is known for spectacular nature and landscape imagery and his impressive portfolio is all the proof you need. In today’s’ episode, he explains why f/16 shouldn’t always be your first choice, and when other aperture settings make more sense.

Irmler says that many photographers default to the smallest aperture on their lens because they want to maximize both depth of field and sharpness throughout the shot. The truth, though, is that small apertures can degrade image quality, and stopping all the way down is often a mistake.

The point is to help you determine the most appropriate f/stop for the task at hand, and Irmler explains why using a wide range of apertures is one secret to his success. He begins with an interesting discussion about how to achieve plenty of depth field without resorting to the smallest aperture on your lens.

Irmler also describes an important issue than many of us never consider; namely, the fact that every lens you own is sharpest at a specific f/stop, and this typically varies from lens to lens. This is why he’s tests all his lenses to determine it’s “sweet spot.” And he explains how you should do that too.

This important suggestion is just the first of many that he presents, and they’re all equally powerful and easy to accomplish. So spend 18 minutes watching this video and we promise that your landscape photos will be better than ever.

There are many more helpful tips and tricks on Irmler’s instructional YouTube channel, so be sure to take a look and subscribe.

And don’t miss the tutorial we posted earlier from another experienced pro, with 10 essential tips for shooting eye-popping landscape photos.

In exactly one month, I will be on a plane heading to the country with the greatest bird diversity in the world. A country whose coastline is bathed by the Pacific and the Caribbean waters. Do you know what country it is I’m talking about? Here’s another hint – it has both one of the wettest places on earth with an annual rainfall over 10 meters, and another region that’s a total desert. If you hadn’t already figured it out, I’m talking about Colombia.

Today’s Photo of the Day is “Icy Tree” by natrpixdvm. Location: Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas.

“An ice storm in late autumn leaves trees encrusted with intricate ice formations,” describes natrpixdvm.

Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 100mm F2.8 IS L lens. 1/400 sec., f/8, ISO 500.

Want to get your images in the running for a Photo of the Day feature? Photo of the Day is chosen from various galleries, including Assignments, Galleries and Contests. Assignments have weekly winners that are featured on the website homepage, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To get your photos in the running, all you have to do is submit them.

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